www.duncanchessell.com
DUNCAN CHESSELL BSc
Leader – Director – Geologist - Adventurer
Duncan has an impressive and outstanding background in leadership and management.
Duncan is no “pay your way to the top” so called “climber”.... Duncan is the real deal.
He is a Chairman of Copper and Gold Exploration company Endeavour Discoveries Ltd. Prior to which he founded
and operated four companies, in three countries, providing employment to over 120 people in Australia, Nepal and
Papua New Guinea. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Geologist.
Triple Everest summiter, leader of five Antarctic expeditions, leader of successful climbs to the 7 summits (highest
peak on each continent), leader of over 100 expeditions worldwide spanning 20 years of mountaineering
experience and work as a professionally qualified mountain guide (NZ Mountain Guides Association).
Duncan is currently working on his THIRD Lap of the 7 Summits, this time SEA to SUMMIT with Mt Vinson in
Antarctica (a world first) and Everest (Indian Ocean to Summit) already completed, it is only a matter of time before
he completes his latest goal which will also be a world first.
In 2010 leading his 4th Everest expedition Duncan’s expedition comprised 85 people all up. Under his leadership
two teams totalling 31 people summited Mt Everest of a possible 40 making the summit attempt.
The 2010 season placed Duncan at the pinnacle of Australian expedition Leadership on Everest. He now has more
summits personally and for his team members than any other Australian.
In 2010, Duncan sold DCXP and co-founded Endeavour Discoveries Ltd going back to his original roots as a
geologist, Duncan and his team hope to unearth a mineral deposit in Australia and/or Papua New Guinea.
Duncan’s role as Executive Chairman is to acquire projects, and lead the company to a listing on the ASX via an
IPO (Initial Public Offering) in late 2012. Whilst simultaneously managing the field exploration programs in Australia
and PNG.
Duncan also sits on one not for profit board focussed on educating children in Nepal, a country Duncan has a deep
connection with. Duncan is also active in a business coaching role with Distracted Media, a successful Sydney
based film and media Production Company.
Companies founded or co-founded by Duncan
DCXP (New Zealand) 2001- moved to Australia 2002.
DCXP Mountain Journeys Pty Ltd (Australia) 2002 – 2010.
PNG Expeditions (PNG) 2007 – 2010.
Endeavour Discoveries Ltd 2010.
Current Active Directorships
Endeavour Discoveries Group (Australia) 2010 – present Executive Chairman / Managing Director
Himalayan Children’s Education Foundation – co-founder and Trustee.
Distracted Media – special advisor to the board
www.duncanchessell.com
www.duncanchessell.com
The challenge
Mountaineering is one of the few remaining outlets for the modern-day adventurer. It offers physical and
mental challenges far in excess of those available from more mainstream undertakings. It is the
unrivalled opportunity for experiential learning – to learn about yourself and put what you discover into
practice.
Expeditions pose a significant management challenge. They require a leader who is able to coordinate
the tasks of project management and planning, promotion, event management, leadership, logistics,
training and mentoring, as well as being an athlete. In this environment good management, judgement
and teamwork are as important as good lungs, strong legs and good technique – even more important.
Serious teamwork and reliance on both self and others are paramount, as they are in business.
Expeditions present an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself and to put what you discover into
practice.
Tailored Presentations – Key Themes
Duncan’s superbly illustrated audiovisual presentations offer valuable learning experiences and new
perspectives while being marvellous stories into the bargain.
Duncan’s presentations based on the themes ‘The Essence of Leadership’, ‘Lessons from Adventure’,
‘Follow Your Dreams’, or ‘Journey to the Roof of the World’ can be tailored to suit the needs of your
organisation or team, from fascinating conference keynote addresses to customised workshops or
presentations for your senior management team.
Expedition and company leadership has taught Duncan many lessons and the story of Everest and The
Seven Summits lends itself to a number of main concepts including:
• Vision – setting a clear goal
• Inspiration – Living your dream
• Leadership – situational leadership and teamwork
• Goal setting – breaking 'impossible' tasks into bite-sized chunks
• Continuous Improvement – Project learning cycle – plan, do, reflect
• Project management – planning, logistics, risk management
• The importance of self-awareness – individual, team, company
The solution to your group’s needs might be an inspirational tailored presentation, or a seminar
presentation with debriefing that fits into a larger overriding program, or you may derive increased value
by adding a breakout session or workshop. Duncan will work with you to customise a solution.
Duncan’s presentations offer valuable learning experiences conveyed through remarkable stories - you
will be inspired by the beauty of the Himalayas and mountains of the world, awed by the challenges and
impressed with the team and individual effort that made the dreams reality.
www.duncanchessell.com
www.duncanchessell.com
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
“A confident speaker with a big story to tell”
Kooyonga Golf Club
“Duncan is a very confident and relaxed speaker with a disarming and persuasive style ….. he kept the
entire audience fascinated for the best part of an hour…. We thoroughly recommend Duncan's
presentation to any audience. There is something 'in it' for everybody."
St Peters Collegians' Association
”Excellent - Duncan was extremely well received by our industry guests and his experiences were
captivating. His presentation also blended an application to business and was motivational.”
AICLA – SA
I have used Duncan Chessell on a number of occasions to speak to staff on management and in
motivating people to strive to meet challenges at work and in life. Duncan draws on his expertise as a
mountain climber and adventurer to relate management and leadership concepts in a powerful and
entertaining way.... Duncan has a humble and unassuming style of presenting that is able to get through
to even the most cynical participant of a management/ leadership workshop/seminar. He is able to relate
to people at all levels and I can strongly recommended Duncan's seminars and workshops to managers
and CEO's wanting to energise and inspire their organisations.
Dr Len Sciacca, Chief Electronic Warfare and Radar Division, DSTO
On behalf of all members and guests of the Entrepreneurs Organisation, I would like to thank you for
your presentation. All of our members voted your event 8 out of 10 or better. This is a fantastic result.
I am pleased you were able to combine the skills of mountaineering with the skills needed to run a
business and present in a manner that was educational, inspiring and enjoyable.
Brian Lucas, President EO SA
Duncan's presentation was one that captivated all those in the audience and put simply " you could have
heard a pin drop". So many felt privileged to visit the summit of Everest through the eyes of one of
South Australia's finest. Thankyou.
SA Health - Mental Health Unit
Duncan's presentation was well received by the whole group. Duncan's visual presentation enabled the
audience to connect with his stories and adventures. His stories were captivating and provided a unique
insight into mountain climbing, the highs, the lows and the mighty challenges. Duncan's discussions
around goal setting and team work, gained from his extreme experiences, were valuable and enabled
the group to reflect on their own experiences and future goals. Duncan was very personable and willing
to share his experiences openly with the group.
Department of Water Land and Biodiversity
www.duncanchessell.com